State unemployment numbers revealed

RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) — Labor Day is just a few days away. For many it means an extra day off from work. Unfortunately some in our area are still looking for a job.

When you look at some of the bigger counties here in the Commonwealth, we know there are fewer Virginians looking for a job when compared to those across the nation. However there are some areas in our state seeing the percentage of those looking for work in the double-digits.

The unemployment rate went up to 5.7 percent in July, from 5.5 percent in June. Economists said partially to blame is the time of year. This is when some students are leaving their seasonal job to head back to class, causing a slight uptick in the unemployment numbers. Those living in the southern and western section of the state are experiencing higher unemployment.

VCU Economist Leslie Stratton believes a slow recovery is on the horizon.

“To hire a new worker is expensive,” Stratton said. “So I think that as the economy slowly improves firms become more confident that the recovery is underway and they’re going to be more willing to hire new workers.”